Decertification Process Halted at California Developmental Centers
Several California development centers continue to operate despite allegations of patient mistreatment and abuse and growing scrutiny from state inspectors, the Center for Investigative Reporting reports.
Background
Each year, CMS sends state investigators to complete compliance surveys on developmental centers statewide, according to the state Department of Public Health (Bale, Center for Investigative Reporting, 3/27).
The facilities treat residents with conditions such as cerebral palsy, severe autism and intellectual disabilities (California Healthline, 7/10/13).
In January, the California Department of Public Health announced that it had taken steps to decertify three centers for individuals with developmental disabilities after some patients were found in "situations involving immediate jeopardy." The three developmental centers are located in:
- Fairview;
- Lanterman; and
- Porterville.
The move came after a CIR investigation found "deficient practices" and "chronic systems failures in providing patient care" at the centers (California Healthline, 1/6).
Decertification Process Stopped
However, the decertification process recently was halted when officials with DPH and the state Department of Developmental Services reached an agreement to improve conditions at the facilities.
In a statement, DDS spokesperson Nancy Lungren said the facilities involved "responded to each incident noted and developed plans of correction immediately to provide the necessary care and services, and to address any system issues."
Independent reviewers in April are slated to visit the centers to "examine the root cause of the deficiencies" and help develop a plan for improvements (Center for Investigative Reporting, 3/27).
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